REFINERY ROCKWELL Menu

There’s no signs of slowdown for specialty coffee shops in Manila. And one by one, these are sprouting like mushrooms in the metro, armed with their coffee expertise hailing from different parts of the globe, where one finds an excuse to indulge in caffeine all day, and even sneak Vodka in broad daylight over truffle fries. Do you need a drink? Welcome to Refinery.

I’ve long been an admirer of Refinery’s Instagram account. Their brewery on specialty coffee, cocktail concoctions and wine often times make me crave for something new and unique. And as a lover of simple sandwiches, those grilled cheese and shirred truffled eggs toast are tempting me. And the opportunity to experience the creations of the one and only US-based Lamill Coffee beans here in the country is not something I would pass by, especially when I’m encouraged by Refinery to drop by to get a taste of the Lamill Experience.

Previously occupied by Figaro and sharing neighborhood with Rambla, I would say Refinery has taken advantage over the area of Rockwell. No longer do the locals have to go an extra mile for Yardstick or Australia’s Toby’s Estate to experience third wave coffee, when it’s just a walking distance away.

It’s dark wooden interiors made no sense its own, but together it brought a whole new identity to a coffee connoisseur’s first impression on his first step inside. Refinery is without a doubt, refined in its taste of ironically illmatched furniture, obviously trying to connect with the prim, proper, hippie, generic and the crazy individual looking for coffee. It’s one of the reasons why Refinery chose to have an identity on its own versus a banner Lamill Coffee brand as its boutique in Los Angeles, California. Find a seat and fit in.

Refinery takes its coffee seriously. You’ve been warned.

I could only look at Refinery’s menu and not know what to get. Torn between my duties to taste something different and my hungry stomach, I settled for comfort food as this is one of the reasons Refinery is becoming the go-to place for everyone else.

REFINERY Honey and Basil Grilled Cheese Sandwich – P280

I found Refinery’s Honey and Basil Grilled Cheese a holy grail to my perpetual search for the best grilled cheese in the metro. I would take sandwiches over rice any meal of the day. Cheese and honey got married in Refinery’s Honey and Basil Grilled Cheese, and a delight that removed my hunger pangs.

Sad to say, although Refinery makes their own bread (which is crucial to a great Grilled Cheese sandwich), Refinery doesn’t sell the bread by loaf. Charring provided depth to its taste and I always get excited for pressed sandwiches.

Slow cooked tomato soup, which not many coffee shops served along with the sandwich, provided me comfort and company amidst the schizophrenic, windy weather. And the side salad and cherry tomatoes fettered with vinaigrette created acidity in between bites. It was a hearty meal.

Refinery, thank you for serving healthy soup and salad over chips.

REFINERY Espresso: Orange Infused Cappuccino – P160

What elevated my Grilled Cheese into a whole new level was my cacao topped Orange Infused Cappuccino, a strong, fruity blend that made me declare LaMill’s Coffee beans is indeed a cut and push versus the other third wave coffee shops I have tried. It was fruity, nevertheless acidity was not a problem, as I have always been worried in all the espresso beverages I have tried. I disliked coffee being too acidic.

I noticed how Refinery’s coffee was hotter in temperature than usual, but never burning my tongue. This is exactly the hotness I would expect in a cup.

Moving forward were stronger sips that had a hint of the orange tang I was promised, a LaMill Coffee at its best. Like the rest, Refinery uses La Marzoco espresso machines.

I am now torn between Portland’s StumpTown which I got back at Thinking Cup, Boston versus LaMill Coffee. But I believe my coffee bean journey hasn’t ended yet.

The Verdict

Price-wise, Refinery is a notch more expensive for their cocktail concoctions and Espresso beverages but one would gladly pay for a more concentrated, artisanal cup. The sandwiches, pasta, brunch selections, and signature burger are terrific knockoffs. One should not miss having brunch here at Refinery, 30% cheaper than most breakfast places.

I look forward to my next cuppa, perhaps a Valrhona Mocha, Creme Brulee or the bestselling Salted Caramel Latte, and some Hangover Pasta (if I do have a hangover).